Gillette's Purchase of Duracell
Gives It Added Source of Power

Gillette Co.'s agreement, announced Thursday, to buy Duracell International Inc. for $7.3 billion in stock represents the acquirer's biggest bid for growth outside its shaving stronghold.

By adding Duracell batteries to its leading lines of razors, pens and toothbrushes, Gillette aims to push another high-profit product line through its formidable sales channels in drugstores and supermarkets. At about $2.65 billion in annual sales,...